tor·toise·shell also tor·toise-shell or tor·toise shell (tôr t s-sh l )n. 1. a. The mottled, horny, translucent, brownish covering of the carapace of certain tortoises or turtles, especially the hawksbill, used to make combs, jewelry, and other articles. b. A synthetic imitation of natural tortoiseshell. 2. See hawksbill. 3. A domestic cat having fur with brown, black, and yellowish markings. 4. Any of several butterflies, chiefly of the genus Nymphalis, having wings with orange, black, and brown markings. tor toise·shell adj. |
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